Miami Dolphins Fan Needs Liver Donation

A Lifelong Fan's Journey and Medical Struggle

Ian "Big E" Berger, a lifelong Miami Dolphins superfan, recently had his streak of 13 seasons of never missing a home game, including preseason, come to an end. The reason? He was in the hospital for three games. However, even during those difficult times, Berger found ways to stay connected to the team, watching the games from his hospital bed while wearing his Fins gear.

Berger has been a devoted fan for 40 years, and he has a list of favorite players that includes Zach Thomas, Dan Marino, and Jason Taylor. His current favorites are Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle, and Zach Sieler. His nickname, "Big E," is well-earned, as he stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs 250 pounds. However, he has lost 90 pounds due to an illness, which he admits is a mixed blessing. While he's happy about being thinner, he wishes he had made the change on his own terms.

In 2020, Berger represented the Dolphins as their official "Fan of the Year." Many fans are familiar with his ongoing medical battle, which took a serious turn in October 2024 when he was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, an autoimmune disorder that attacks the liver and blocks bile ducts. This condition leads to Stage 4 Liver Cirrhosis, which has necessitated a liver transplant. For now, Berger has two tubes connected to his liver that exit through his abdomen and connect to his lower intestine.

Recent bloodwork and MRI results also revealed signs of possible bile-duct cancer, known as cholangiocarcinoma. Despite the devastating news, Berger remains determined to fight. He is currently in need of someone willing to donate a part of their liver, as livers can regrow. Berger hopes to live a normal, healthy life in the future.

Over the past six years, Berger has helped raise about $90,000 for the Dolphins Challenge Cancer initiative. To learn more about how to help or to see if you may be qualified to donate, visit Big E's page on the National Kidney Registration.

"There's no place I'd rather be during football season than Hard Rock Stadium!" Berger said.

The Dolphins have not won a playoff game since 2000, which has led to a unique perspective among fans. Berger describes being a Dolphins fan as similar to being in a relationship. "You try to give advice, and they don't listen. You have your good times together and you have your bad times together, but you still stay together. And sometimes you don't feel like supporting them, but you still show up because you love them so much."

A Fan's Story

Ian "Big E" Berger has lived a life deeply intertwined with the Miami Dolphins. Here's a glimpse into his journey:

• Name: Ian "Big E" Berger
• Hometown/Residence: Coconut Creek, Florida
• Team: Miami Dolphins
• Years of Fandom: 40
• How It Started: His grandfather took him to his first Dolphins game at the Orange Bowl in 1985.
• How It’s Going: Over the past 40 years, there have been many ups and downs for the team. The 90s were fun, but there have been more downs than ups since then. However, his fandom has never wavered. "This will be our year" is an annual motto in his household.
• Has It Caused You to Miss Any Major Life Events? He has never missed any major life events because of the Dolphins. However, during his honeymoon cruise over 20 years ago, he made sure the Dolphins vs Green Bay Packers Monday Night Football game was showing somewhere on the boat. He was the only Fins fan watching the game in a sea of Packers fans by the pool. During the birth of his first daughter, the Dolphins were playing the 49ers right after she was born. While he wasn’t allowed to be in some of the surgical rooms with his wife and newborn, he found an empty hospital room to watch the game.
• Most Memorable Moment as a Fan of the Dolphins: Staying until the end of a 7+ hour Dolphins vs Titans game with his youngest daughter. Also, attending the last home Dolphins playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens with his dad and watching the Dolphins score 70 points against the Broncos with his wife.
• Most Forgettable Moment as a Fan of the Dolphins: The 2023 Dolphins were 9-3 heading into Week 14 against the Titans. The Dolphins had control of the game, and everyone was excited that the Fins were going to go to 10-3 on the season. But with three minutes left and down by 14 points, the Titans came back to beat the Dolphins. The Dolphins ended up losing a home playoff game due to this game and other losses that followed. Decembers have not been good for the Dolphins for a very long time.
• Any Regrets? His only regret would be not having the opportunity to meet Don Shula before his passing. He would have loved to talk to him and listen to his stories and coaching advice.

Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.